Year:       1972
Client:      European Economic Commission
Country:   Senegal
Value TA:  DFL 50.000

When implementing an area development programme in the Basse Casamance (Senegal) an international consultant increasingly faced problems because basic data on the number of people involved and their socio-economic characteristics were not really known. A large survey was designed and implemented involving some 2500 households, plus a number of subject-specific additional detail studies. The preparation and implementation of these surveys involved the training of some 80 local staff, more than half of them employed for assistance and control.

Data obtained were highly useful for planners and civil servants alike and were still relevant in the year 2000 when they showed to be useful for comparisons over time. A main characteristic of these surveys was the emphasis on proper preparation (including training) and extensive use of qualified staff for assistance and control. The almost chronic lack of reliability of base line surveys was avoided here successfully by extensive training, the provision of assistance during the surveys and prominent presence and use of control-persons and mechanisms.